Jack O'Connell to play Alexander McQueen in biopic

The hotly anticipated Alexander McQueen biopic has found its leading man.

Jack O'Connell (Unbroken, '71) has been cast as the late fashion designer in the untitled film, to be directed by Andrew Haigh (Weekend, 45 Years) with Pathe producing.

The script is written by Chris Urch, the award-winning playwright of The Rolling Stone and Land of Our Fathers, and based on the biography Blood Beneath The Skin by Andrew Wilson. It will explore the creative process of McQueen – who passed away in 2010 – in the months leading up to one of his greatest shows in 2009, providing an intimate portrait of the man behind the global brand.

Damian Jones (The Iron Lady, Belle, Lady in the Van) is producing, with principal photography set to start in January 2017 for delivery at the end of the year.

Pathe will distribute the film in the U.K., France and Switzerland and will handle sales throughout the rest of the world, introducing the film to buyers at this year's AFM.

Haigh, who saw 45 Years pick up awards in Berlin in 2015 and earn an Oscar nomination for Charlotte Rampling this year, recently wrapped Lean on Pete, and is teaming with See-Saw Films and the BBC on a new drama series.